Not A Regressor - Chapter 13
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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I Am Not a Regressor Chapter 13
Star Palace (2)
‘What the hell.’
Lee Shin-hyuk succeeded in killing me?
Then why did this bastard regress in the first place?
‘No, that’s not what matters right now.’
The longer I hesitate, the greater the suspicion will grow—that much was obvious.
I had to let this slide as naturally as possible here.
“The moment I drove a spear through his heart, he scattered into a handful of black dust and vanished.”
I answered in a calm voice.
Since there was no way to prove how the Heavenly Demon actually died, he had no choice but to believe my words.
In cases without evidence, a witness’s testimony is as good as truth.
[So that’s what happened.]
Vega nodded with a regretful sigh.
Fortunately, I detected no hint of suspicion.
[Then is there a way to find the master of the Black Heaven?]
There’s a way right in front of me, but—
“Not at the moment. We can only wait for him to make a move.”
[Hmm. When will that Heavenly Demon start moving?]
“In three years.”
I had set a generous timeframe so we could prepare adequately in the meantime.
Three years was enough time to create a Heavenly Demon from nothing, after all.
“Until then, we must grow as strong as possible. Of course, if opportunities arise in the meantime, we should search for clues about the Heavenly Demon.”
[That seems reasonable.]
Vega stroked her chin and nodded.
‘Time to wrap this up.’
There had been some danger in the middle, but so far I’d guided the conversation exactly as intended.
Now was the moment to play my trump card.
“In two days, a new Gate will open in Mokdong.”
Future information obtained through Lee Shin-hyuk’s memories.
The moment this became reality, I would be freed from all suspicion.
‘This is information only a true regressor could know.’
A prophet is called a “prophet” not when they make a prophecy, but when that prophecy actually comes to pass.
A regressor is the same.
The moment something ‘only a regressor could know’ actually happens—that’s when one is truly recognized as a regressor.
[A new fissure… Is there a particular reason you’re paying attention to that place?]
“A sacred relic lies dormant there.”
I didn’t actually know what abilities that sacred relic possessed.
Nor did I need to.
‘Because that’s not what matters.’
The fact that I already knew a sacred relic existed within the Gate that would appear in two days.
Proving that very fact is the crux of this plan.
[Indeed. So you intend to claim the privileges that only a regressor can enjoy.]
Vega nodded with a satisfied smile.
[…My child.]
A flutter.
A beautiful dress woven from starlight spread wide.
She drifted slowly through the air toward me.
‘My child, she says.’
Do all Constellations call their apostles children?
‘Does that mean I should call her Vega, Your Majesty?’
No matter how I think about it, it’s an absurd form of address.
[The fate of the world may rest upon your shoulders, but please… do not overexert yourself.]
She extended her hand slowly and caressed my cheek.
A soft touch tickled my skin.
“….”
A warmth that soothed even my soul—a mother’s touch.
In that instant, my conscience buried deep within screamed in protest.
Should I truly deceive this kind Constellation, exploit her?
‘Of course I should.’
Otherwise, I’ll perish.
I trampled upon my screaming conscience without hesitation.
To survive, I could sell my conscience a thousand times over.
‘No, it’s beyond mere survival now.’
Since I’ve begun, I’ll use her thoroughly.
No matter if she’s called the Polaris Constellation.
“I’m not overexerting myself.”
I shook my head and offered a gentle smile.
Time to finish this with a flourish of flattery.
“Vega… I mean, Vega. For you━”
I gently grasped her hand as it caressed my cheek.
“I’ll do anything.”
I let my gaze drift slightly downward.
My voice low and thick.
“I don’t need to remember. I don’t need to cherish memories.”
Calm, without excitement.
Like reciting poetry, serene and measured.
“As long as you can smile like you do now━ that’s enough for me.”
Finishing with a bittersweet smile!
‘Yes! That’s it!!’
My limbs might feel numb, but at this timing and atmosphere, it would definitely work.
[Ah….]
Vega let out a soft gasp.
I felt the hand clasping mine tremble delicately.
[Y-you… how can you say such things so casually….]
The goddess’s cheeks flushed crimson.
‘Perfect.’
That final touch of flattery had proven remarkably effective.
‘Even Constellations aren’t so different from humans when it comes to emotions.’
So of course this would work.
“…I shall take my leave now.”
I bowed respectfully and turned to go.
‘Not bad at all.’
It wasn’t flawless, but at least I hadn’t done anything suspicious.
‘Lee Shin-hyuk’s memories were invaluable.’
If I hadn’t been able to read his memories through the Black Heaven, things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.
‘If this plan succeeds, everything else will be a breeze.’
After all, Constellations cannot easily leave the Divine Temple without accepting restrictions.
And they cannot monitor an apostle’s actions in real time either.
In other words.
Even if I made a mistake that didn’t fit a regressor’s profile, as long as I don’t mention it, there’s no way they’d find out.
‘If I can’t deceive them at this point, I should just admit I’m a con artist.’
Honestly, having come this far, deceiving them wouldn’t be difficult even without a criminal background.
If I’m not suspected and not being monitored, how could this possibly be exposed?
‘It’s like cheating on an exam with no proctor.’
In game terms, it’s basically easy mode or━
[Wait.]
“Hmm? What is it?”
[I shall accompany you to Earth as well.]
“…Pardon?”
What?
“You mean you’ll come with me….”
[Exactly as I said.]
As if having made a decision, Vega’s golden eyes gleamed brilliantly as she placed a hand on her waist with a flourish.
[I shall manifest directly on Earth and accompany you.]
Wait, hold on.
What the hell are you talking about?
“B-but the Constellations are restricted by the laws and cannot go to Earth….”
[Heh. Who do you think I am?]
She continued speaking while proudly pushing her chest forward slightly.
[Of course, there are various restrictions, and the time I can manifest is limited, but this method should make it possible to some degree.]
Whoooosh!
A brilliant silver light burst forth from Vega’s body.
As the light swirled around her, her form gradually began to shrink, until she had compressed herself to a size of roughly thirty centimeters.
‘What on earth is this?’
I stared at her doll-sized form with my mouth hanging open.
Vega let out a soft laugh and floated through the air before landing gracefully on my shoulder.
[Here, take this.]
From her perch on my shoulder, Vega draped a silver pendant around my neck.
“This is….”
[With that pendant, I’ll be able to manifest in this form by your side for a few hours each day.]
“Y-you really don’t need to do this.”
Please.
Why are you doing this to me, Your Majesty?
[…I hadn’t originally planned for anything like this. Even using such a workaround, I cannot be completely free from the constraints of the laws.]
“Then…”
[But didn’t you say it yourself? That you would do anything for me.]
Vega, perched on my shoulder, reached out with her small hand and gently stroked my head.
She continued speaking with a smile full of affection.
[How could I possibly remain idle after hearing such words from my own child?]
Wait, seriously?
That’s what this was all about?
[Don’t worry. I will share your burden.]
No.
[I will walk with you down the dark and lonely path that lies ahead.]
Like how MSG being bad for you is total nonsense.
Like how it’s fine to sprinkle it everywhere.
“….”
Ah.
‘I’m done for.’
Life is a bitch.
* * *
[Hmm, it’s been quite a while since I’ve leisurely enjoyed the sights of Earth like this.]
On the way home.
Vega, perched on my shoulder, gazed around with bright, curious eyes as if everything was a wonder.
“….”
Her shimmering silver hair brushed against my cheek.
It tickled.
[Why have you been so quiet since earlier?]
“…No. It’s nothing at all.”
I shook my head and forced strength back into my weakened legs.
‘No use crying over spilled milk.’
Dwelling on regret and despair now wouldn’t change anything.
‘Since it’s come to this.’
I simply needed to deceive her more thoroughly.
The presence of a proctor didn’t mean I couldn’t cheat.
“Sigh.”
I exhaled deeply and headed toward my home.
As I entered the familiar Moon Village, a desolate atmosphere settled over me.
[…Is this where you live?]
“Yes.”
[You live in quite a shabby place.]
“I don’t have money.”
I answered calmly.
Poverty was unfortunate, but it wasn’t shameful.
[Hmm. I wish to help you, but… you don’t possess anything of monetary value to humans.]
“Haha. It’s fine.”
Now that I’d become an Awakener, I could earn as much as I wanted going forward.
‘Besides, if I really wanted to, I could move right now.’
I’d saved that much money over the past eight years.
It was just that there were more important things than moving.
—Creak.
The sound of a rusted door opening.
“Did you meet up well with that Vega or whatever her name is, you bastard?”
Ha-eun, leaning on crutches as before, greeted me warmly.
“Why are you so late?”
“Noona, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Huh? What is it?”
“Well…”
Before I could explain the situation, Vega looked Ha-eun up and down and opened her mouth.
[━So you are the child living with my host?]
“KYAAAAA!! What the hell!!!”]
Boom!
I urgently caught Ha-eun’s body as she screamed and stumbled backward.
“W-what?? Whose voice is that?!”
She looked around frantically in confusion.
[Hmm.]
Vega regarded her quietly for a moment, then straightened her posture, crossed her arms, and spoke.
[My name is Vega. I am a Constellation of the Lyra Constellation.]
“A… Constellation?”
Ha-eun’s trembling hand reached out and tugged at Ojin’s sleeve.
“W-what is this? Why is a C-Constellation here?”
“I’ll explain.”
“Hurry. I feel like I’m losing my mind right now.”
I guided the swaying Ha-eun to sit on the bed before opening my mouth.
“So….”
I gave a brief explanation of everything that had happened today.
Of course, I had already coordinated with Vega beforehand to keep the matter of the Regressor hidden.
“…No, where in the world does an Awakener exist who travels with a Constellation!”
[Just because it doesn’t exist doesn’t mean it can’t be done, does it?]
“….”
Ha-eun’s mouth fell open as if she were utterly dumbfounded.
[By the way….]
Vega’s eyes narrowed.
Her gaze turned toward Ha-eun’s eyes and her right leg.
[So the child’s body is impaired.]
“….”
[How did that come to pass━]
“Vega.”
I cut off her words with a low, subdued voice.
“Let’s not talk about that.”
I smiled gently.
A soft expression crossed my face.
[….]
Vega turned to look at me, then slowly opened her mouth.
[So you are capable of such an expression.]
“Pardon?”
[I apologize for my rudeness.]
She bowed slightly.
Vega inclined her head gently toward Ha-eun.
“N-no! More than that!! V-Vega…? Constellations can’t be on Earth because of some restriction or something, right? Or can they? Either way, wasn’t that the whole thing…?”
[Your words are quite jumbled. If it troubles you, feel free to speak more naturally.]
“Why did you come to Earth in the first place, you woman?”
[I have grown too comfortable.]
…Sister.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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